Do actual amounts of radiation exposure received vary with altitude, background, and medical practices?

The correct answer is true, as the actual amounts of radiation exposure received by individuals do indeed vary based on several factors, including altitude, background radiation, and medical practices.

At higher altitudes, for instance, the atmosphere is thinner, which results in increased exposure to cosmic radiation. This exposure rises significantly with altitude, meaning that individuals living in mountainous regions or flying frequently can receive greater doses of radiation compared to those at sea level.

Background radiation also varies depending on geographical location and the presence of natural radioactive materials in the environment. For example, areas with high natural uranium content or radon gas emissions can lead to higher background radiation exposure levels.

Moreover, medical practices contribute to radiation exposure, particularly through diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays and CT scans. The frequency and type of these medical procedures can vary widely among different populations, leading to differing levels of exposure based on health care practices and accessibility.

Together, these factors illustrate that radiation exposure is not uniform and can be influenced by a variety of environmental and societal elements.